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Transmission and drivetrainPart report

2005 Cadillac STS Transmission and drivetrain Problems

Complaints
18about this part
Share
18%of 101 total for the year
Median mileage
68,000miles
Trend
StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.

NHTSA recorded 18 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2005 Cadillac STS, 18% of the 101 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 68,000 miles. 2 of these say a crash was involved and 1 a fire, according to the filers. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.

Example complaints

Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.

“Just bought the vehicle used and I hear a noise coming from the rear back of the car. The key fob wasn't working correctly and drained the battery and I had to buy a new battery. I really don't know what wrong with the vehicle but its driveable for now besides the slight banging noise. It need to be checked for recalls.”

NHTSA complaint #10899089, filed 2016-08, 144,719 miles

“Driving on the highway when there was a sudden loud bang, my car swerved, my rpms revved up, white smoke and I smelled burning. I pulled over and had it taken to the local certified Cadillac dealership, my rear differential needs to be replaced related to a rear pinion seal leak. There's a recall for that exact problem for my year and model but my VIN isn't covered. How can I get my VIN on the recall list?”

NHTSA complaint #10680583, filed 2015-02, 106,121 miles

“Without warning my transmission stopped working . I can move the greer with out it collecting any greer . No engine check light nothing . I pulled the parking lot and had to be pushed out street .”

NHTSA complaint #11144600, filed 2018-11, 279,900 miles

“Rear differential very wet and leaking in garage. Called GM was ask several questions and told to carry it to crest Cadillac, hoover,al and let them check problem. Was told not to let them fix it and GM would call me to see what I was told. I did carry it to crest Cadillac and was told it is the rear pinion seal and is very common. Gm called me back and ask what they said and ask several question again then told me it is not covered under any recall and would not help with repair.”

NHTSA complaint #10461842, filed 2012-06, 55,800 miles

“My 2005 Cadillac STS brakes locked up and caused my car to crash. After research I am showing that there was a recall regarding the brake system. In addition, when changing gears you can hear the gears changing from the outside of the car. I researched this as well and apparently there is a defect and recall on the axle. I am not happy about this vehicle that I just purchased for alittle over 7 months. There is also an electrical problem. As I am driving, the hood ajar light comes on and there is no sign of my hood being ajar. …”

NHTSA complaint #10610116, filed 2014-07, 30 miles

Related recalls

Related service bulletins

Transmission and drivetrain: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
200917%
2008612%
2007510%
2006139%
20051818%

Other parts of the 2005 Cadillac STS

Electrical system
23 complaintsEngine
12 complaintsAir bags
11 complaintsFuel system
8 complaintsBrakes
7 complaintsEngine cooling
7 complaintsOther or unknown
6 complaintsSeats
6 complaintsVehicle speed control
6 complaintsExterior lighting
5 complaintsBody and structure
5 complaintsSuspension
5 complaints

← All problems reported for the 2005 Cadillac STS

About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 30, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.

To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology